Renesas X9421WV14I-2.7T1

Overview

X9421WV14I-2.7T1 from Intersil is a single-channel, SPI-interface digitally controlled potentiometer (XDCP™) with 64-tap resistor array, 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and 2.7V–5.5V supply operation. It functions as a programmable three-terminal potentiometer or two-terminal variable resistor for precision analog trimming in voltage regulators, sensor signal conditioning, and audio gain control.

For engineers reviewing the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 datasheet, X9421WV14I-2.7T1 pinout, X9421WV14I-2.7T1 application, or X9421WV14I-2.7T1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its nonvolatile data register storage, wiper response time under 10 µs, 150 Ω typical wiper resistance at 5 V, and compatibility with standard SPI bus timing up to 2 MHz.

Technical Context

The X9421WV14I-2.7T1 implements a monolithic CMOS 63-segment resistor ladder with CMOS switches controlled by a volatile 6-bit Wiper Counter Register (WCR), enabling precise digital positioning of the wiper terminal. Its SPI interface supports read/write/transfer operations across four nonvolatile 6-bit Data Registers (DR0–DR3) and includes hardware write protection via the WP pin.

Power-on recall loads DR0 into the WCR, ensuring deterministic startup behavior. The device operates with <5 µA standby current and supports full-rail analog voltage swing (VSS to VCC) on RH/VH, RL/VL, and RW/VW terminals, making it suitable for low-power, rail-to-rail analog control loops requiring long-term setting retention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 14-lead TSSOP (4.4 mm wide), RoHS-compliant, Pb-free matte tin termination.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digitally controlled potentiometer applications.

Compared with ISL22416 and ISL22419, the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 offers native SPI compatibility, hardware write protection, and compact 14-TSSOP packaging-making it optimal for resource-constrained industrial controllers where deterministic bus timing and field update safety are prioritized over maximum tap count.

Availability

X9421WV14I-2.7T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded power management, and audio system design requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle continuity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for X9421WV14I-2.7T1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Intersil (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in precision analog, power management, and interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The X9421 product line delivers digitally controlled potentiometers optimized for analog trimming tasks where nonvolatile storage, SPI simplicity, and rail-to-rail operation replace electromechanical components in harsh or space-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the operating voltage range for the X9421WV14I-2.7T1?

The X9421WV14I-2.7T1 operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V system supplies without external level shifters. This range is explicitly defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the FN8196 datasheet and validated across the full -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. Operation below 2.7 V may result in unreliable SPI communication or incomplete power-on recall of DR0 into the WCR.

Does the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 retain wiper settings after power loss?

Yes-the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 retains wiper positions in four nonvolatile Data Registers (DR0–DR3) with 100-year data retention. While the volatile Wiper Counter Register (WCR) loses its value on power-down, the device automatically loads DR0 into the WCR at power-up, ensuring repeatable startup behavior. Nonvolatile writes to DR registers require explicit SPI commands and take up to 10 ms to complete.

Can the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 be used as a two-terminal variable resistor?

Yes-the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 supports two-terminal configuration by connecting either RH/VH or RL/VL to RW/VW, effectively creating a digitally adjustable rheostat. This mode is explicitly supported in the datasheet's "Circuit Level Applications" section and maintains the same 10 kΩ end-to-end resistance and 150 Ω typical wiper resistance specifications as the three-terminal potentiometer mode.

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the X9421WV14I-2.7T1?

The X9421WV14I-2.7T1 supports SPI clock frequencies up to 2 MHz, as specified in the AC Timing table (fSCK parameter) of the FN8196 datasheet. This allows for rapid wiper updates-e.g., full 64-step sweep in under 1 ms-and is compatible with most modern microcontrollers' SPI peripherals without requiring clock dividers or custom timing firmware.

How does the hardware write protect (WP) pin function on the X9421WV14I-2.7T1?

When the WP pin is driven LOW, the X9421WV14I-2.7T1 blocks all nonvolatile writes to its four Data Registers (DR0–DR3), preventing accidental overwrites of calibrated settings. The Wiper Counter Register (WCR) remains fully writable, allowing runtime adjustment of the potentiometer position. WP has no effect on read operations or SPI command execution-only on the internal high-voltage programming cycle required for nonvolatile storage.